The trade rumors heat up every day in the NBA and as teams start to separate themselves in the standings as contenders and pretenders, the anticipation for a move to put a team over the top takes precedence. The Dallas Mavericks made two moves at the trade deadline last season that assisted their run through the Western Conference playoffs, meaning there is a recent example of a team utilizing that strategy to become a contender.
The Memphis Grizzlies have had questions about their small forward position since they decided Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. would be their big three. Players like Dillon Brooks and Ziaire Williams had their opportunities in the past and last season Marcus Smart held the role until Jaylen Wells replaced him recently.
However, Jaylen Wells is a rookie, and typically a championship team has a veteran starting in a role beside their primary guys. The Grizzlies will potentially start two rookies with Zach Edey at center, which completely defies the odds of a championship contender. With GG Jackson and Vince Williams Jr. in the fold to return but still a bit young to trust as a starter for a contender, here are some intriguing options for the Grizzlies to consider at the trade deadline.
1. Portland Trail Blazers Forward: Jerami Grant
The 6'7" Portland Trail Blazers forward fits what the Grizzlies need at small forward perfectly and is playoff battle-tested, although it has been a while since he has been to the playoffs. Jerami Grant enjoyed early success as a role player for the Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets from 2016-2020, starting in 21 playoff games in his final seasons with both teams (2018-19 and 2019-20).
He used his success as a 3 and D role player to get a big contract with first the Detroit Pistons followed by the Portland Trail Blazers as one of the main guys. However, team success hasn't followed that model but his scoring ability, three-point shooting, and defensive ability fit well for a team where he'd be the fourth option.
Grant has averaged 20.2 points on 37.2 percent shooting from three since 2020 and was a huge asset that helped the Denver Nuggets make a Western Conference Finals run in 2020 as the fourth option behind Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Michael Porter Jr. Returning to that role on a team like the Grizzlies could be the move that makes the Grizzlies a championship favorite.
2. Brooklyn Nets Forward: Cam Johnson
Former Grizzlies small forward Ziaire Williams' current teammate fits the mold of 3 and D for the Grizzlies just as perfectly as the above-mentioned Jerami Grant. The 6'8" Cam Johnson has played this role throughout his entire career and has stayed within that role regardless of the circumstances surrounding him.
He is playoff battle-tested too, playing a key role off the bench for the Phoenix Suns during their run to the NBA Finals in 2021. He was traded to the Brooklyn Nets during the 2022-23 season and got playoff starts during the 2023 playoffs with the Nets averaging 18.5 points on 42.9% shooting from three.
Cam Johnson is also known to be a good defender and is a career 39.5% shooter from three. The Grizzlies have the assets to make a move of this caliber and with the Nets not expected to make much noise out east, the opportunity could be there for the Grizzlies to make such a move.
3. Atlanta Hawks Forward: De'Andre Hunter
The 6'8" De'Andre Hunter has been a steady presence as a starter for the Atlanta Hawks since he entered the league in 2019, averaging 14.3 points on 36.3% shooting from three for his career. The Hawks' drafting of 2024 number one overall pick Zaccharie Risacher and the emergence of fourth-year forward Jalen Johnson has put the writing on the wall for Hunter's time with the team.
Hunter would provide the Grizzlies with a player of similar caliber as the two mentioned above Cam Johnson and Jerami Grant as he has shot 40% from three in his 16 career playoff games. He is also averaging 16.3 points in the playoffs as a third or fourth option, which bolds well for his fit with the Grizzlies potentially.
The Grizzlies have options on the trade market if they so choose to go that route to ensure championship contention. They have a plethora of young wings with huge potential for the future of the team but if the goal is the win a championship as early as this season, a deadline move might be what is best for the team.